Day 286 – Luke 11

Talking Points

• Is there a right way to pray? A better way? Jesus’ disciples, watching His prayer life, asked Him to teach them how to pray. His response was not to give them (or us) a prayer to recite, but a pattern to follow. He shows them that persistence and humility in prayer is blessed by God. The verb tense shows that our asking, seeking, and knocking is to be continual.
• Jesus blesses His disciples with an encouraging truth: We pray because we trust God. It is His character that leads us to turn to Him in confidence. As good as an earthly father’s intentions might be, God is infinitely more gracious! Mix that with the truth that He is infinitely powerful and able, and we do well to quickly and consistently run to our Father God in prayer.
• Jesus speaks a harsh condemnation for those who continually reject Him and lead others to do the same. Self-promotion and self-service drive them to an idea of religion that has the appearance of godliness, yet leaves their hearts unchanged. In response to Jesus’ stern indictment, they escalate the plot to destroy Him.

Thoughts

In Jesus’ model for prayer, we see a profound revelation: God’s honor is the ultimate priority. Whereas the self-righteous Pharisees and religious leaders sought their own good above all else, Jesus tells His disciples to first seek God’s honor. And, it is not just to be the pattern of prayer; it is to be the pattern of life!

“When you pray, say: Father, hallowed by Your name.” (Luke 11:2)

The word “hallowed” has a rich connotation. It means to revere, to set apart as holy, and to honor. This is done by exalting and glorifying the object to be hallowed. Therefore, those seeking to hallow God’s name lift it up where all will see His glory. “And, how do we do that?” you might ask. It is by following the example of Jesus and giving God’s honor first priority in all we do. As Christ’s disciples, our language, daily decisions, and obedience in all areas must reflect a burning desire to honor God before a watching world. Our lives should declare, “Yes, God! Hallowed be Your name!”